Civic Theatre’s StageHANDS present classic Ugly Duckling story

Members of the cast of "Honk! Jr." express themselves.

Charlie Hall/Sun Journal

By Sun Journal Staff

Published: Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 10:57 AM.

Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale of the Ugly Duckling is well known. New Bern Civic Theatre’s youth troupe StageHANDS presents its retelling of the story with eight performances, beginning next week.

The show is directed by Abigail Leffler, produced by Leah Huttinger and has the musical direction of Beth Cox.

Show dates are March 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Athens Theatre on Pollock Street. Matinees are scheduled at 2 p.m. March 10 and 17.

Admission is $14 in advance, $16 at the door.

The duckling Ugly, his mom and the other barnyard animals romp through the countryside and learn valuable life lessons in this contemporary retelling of the age-old story.

Ugly Duckling has to face ridicule for his appearance and also faces dangerous pursuit from a hungry, diabolical cat who is determined to make Ugly his lunch.

“It is amazing how dedicated and talented the cast is. They work extremely hard and commit to a huge undertaking with passion and drive,” said Director Abigail Leffler. “A director couldn’t ask for a better cast and crew.”

Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale of the Ugly Duckling is well known. New Bern Civic Theatre’s youth troupe StageHANDS presents its retelling of the story with eight performances, beginning next week.

The show is directed by Abigail Leffler, produced by Leah Huttinger and has the musical direction of Beth Cox.

Show dates are March 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Athens Theatre on Pollock Street. Matinees are scheduled at 2 p.m. March 10 and 17.

Admission is $14 in advance, $16 at the door.

The duckling Ugly, his mom and the other barnyard animals romp through the countryside and learn valuable life lessons in this contemporary retelling of the age-old story.

Ugly Duckling has to face ridicule for his appearance and also faces dangerous pursuit from a hungry, diabolical cat who is determined to make Ugly his lunch.

“It is amazing how dedicated and talented the cast is. They work extremely hard and commit to a huge undertaking with passion and drive,” said Director Abigail Leffler. “A director couldn’t ask for a better cast and crew.”

The cast of youngsters has been rehearsing since early January.

“This experience has been extremely rewarding. Cast and crew alike were always ready to help with the creative process with suggestions for funny moments, were open to change and constructive criticism, and worked extremely well together as a team,” she added. “That’s not an easy task when you have a cast of over 30 children and teens. But they have proven to be a wonderful cast to work with, and I can’t wait to share this great show.”